Currently sitting in sixth place in the Serie A table, Atalanta have been overlooked by many as one of this season’s standout surprise packages.
Atalanta‘s decision to part company with Edy Reja at the end of the 2015-16 Serie A season was not greeted with unanimous understanding in Bergamo. Many of the La Dea faithful were happy with the side’s 13th-place finish last year. There were, however, some who were happy to wave goodbye to the now 71-year-old in search of a more attractive brand of football.
Cesare Prandelli was one name linked to the post, before Genoa’s Gian Piero Gasperini was successfully recruited to succeed the departed Reja.
The new season didn’t begin quite as Gasperini would have liked, but a thrilling 4-3 defeat against Lazio in the opening round was an early indication that things had already changed at the Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia; defence was no longer priority No.1.
Early pressure began to mount on Gasperini, as the Bergamaschi failed to beat both Cagliari and Palermo; the former scored three without response in Sardinia, while the Sicilians left Lombardy with a shock 1-0 win.
Keeping with the tried and trusted three at the back, the wing-backs have taken on an increased attacking responsibility in Gasperini’s variation of a 3-5-2, or often his 3-4-3. Both Boukary Drame and Andrea Conti have found themselves as crucial elements to the Orobici’s attack, allowing Alejandro Gomez on the left and whoever starts on the right to cut in and offer support to the striker.
As is typical for Atalanta, there is a strong youth representation within the side. Franck Kessie has emerged as an integral first team player and star-to-be, allowing the supporters to move on quickly from the summer’s double-loss of Marten de Roon and Luca Cigarini.
Further back, Mattia Caldara has established himself in Gasperini’s starting XI and looks as though he could be the next big export from Bergamo. Gabriel Paletta returned to AC Milan in the summer and remained at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza despite several attempts by the club and the individual to rejoin the Nerazzurri. Caldara, along with Rafael Toloi and Andrea Masiello have been relatively assured in front of Etrit Berisha, providing the side with a certain degree of solidity, though not quite to the extent witnessed in Reja’s reign.
Even up top, Andrea Petagna has managed to find the net three times in his four starts. The former Milan academy player’s form has taken on an increased importance with Alberto Paloschi struggling to rediscover his Chievo form with his hometown club.
Shining brighter than anyone else, as has come to be expected, has been ‘Papu’ Gomez. Looking at his contribution purely through statistics, and he hasn’t quite hit the heights of last season. With just one goal and no assists so far this campaign, if you haven’t watched Atalanta you might think his importance to the side is fading. This, in reality, couldn’t be further from the truth. His only goal this year was a screamer in a crucial win over Crotone, which marked a change in the side’s fortunes.
The Argentine-born Italian citizen has been just as integral this year as before and has even taken the captain’s armband on occasion. Everything the Orobici look to put together is channeled through their No.10, and he rarely puts a foot wrong. Gomez seems to be enjoying more freedom under Gasperini, and Drame’s eagerness to join in with the attack has given him a helping hand on the wing, while also allowing him to move inside and get close to Petagna, Paloschi, or Mauricio Pinilla.
So impressive have his performances been, the Curva Nord in Bergamo have called for Italy coach Giampiero Ventura to consider him for Azzurri selection.
Having already beaten Inter and Napoli this year, as well as holding Fiorentina to a draw, La Dea will fancy their chances against almost anyone this year, especially at home, and their current position of sixth looks even more impressive after looking at the teams they have already faced.
Next up for Atalanta is a visit from Genoa to the Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia. Few sides leave Bergamo with much, if anything, to take with them, and Gasperini will no doubt be hoping to continue the surprising climb when he welcomes his former employers to his new home.
